Health leaders and stakeholders have called for increased investment in cancer research in other to ensure quality service delivery in the country.
They made the call yesterday during the World Cancer Day Symposium organized by Project Pink Blue in Abuja. It was themed: “Close the Cancer Care Gap: Is Cancer Research a Care Gap in Nigeria?”.
President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr Uche Ojinmah, said the role of research in cancer care cannot be overemphasized, especially with the dearth of cancer-related clinical trials currently taking place in Nigeria.
He said , “When virtually all of our cancer care is based on research carried out elsewhere, amongst a population with obvious differences in genetics and social dynamics, this leaves much to be desired.”
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He called for more funds to be allocated to research, as well as other issues aimed at ensuring that all patients with cancer have access to better and more affordable health care, thereby reducing disparities in cancer care and outcomes.
He said since advocacy must be driven by facts and figures, acquired through detailed observation, it takes some form of research, to adequately assess current status of care, and identify areas where improvements are necessary.
Chairman of the National Advocates for Health group, Muhammad Usman said advocates need to increase efforts and collaborate to ensure that the new National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment gets the requisite funds to take off in the country.
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Healthcare Services, Dr Tanko Sununu said a lot of revenue could be harnessed from medical research if it is strengthened in the country.
Gloria Orji , president of the Network of People impacted by cancer said there is need to monitor whatever data comes out of the new National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment to ensure that it is credible.
Dr. Elima Jedy-Agba coordinator of the International Research Center of Excellence (IRCE) of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), said research is a key component of cancer care, adding that there is need for a budget line for cancer and funding for cancer research at universities, and research institutes, among others.
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